Romance
Read Romance Classics in English
2,361 romance books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best romance classics to read in English as a learner?
The best romance classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Zoraida: A Romance of the Harem and the Great Sahara, Zibeline — Complete and Young Earnest: The Romance of a Bad Start in Life. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
- 2,361
- books
Level C1RomancePrincess MaritzaOn a radiant morning, a determined man burdened by a shadowed past meets a fiery, free-spirited young woman who yearns to break society’s bounds—sparking a clash of ambition, freed…
Level B2RomancePrincess Kiku: A Japanese Romance. A Play for GirlsIn a delicate Japanese garden, Princess Kiku faces mysterious curses and misunderstandings fueled by a cunning rival’s dark magic.
Level B2RomancePrince or Chauffeur? A Story of NewportA naval lieutenant's chance encounter on a midnight train sparks intrigue as he crosses paths with a spirited young woman and her mother, setting the stage for a tale of mistaken i…
Level C1RomancePrince Zilah — CompleteIn a world where passion and power collide, a noble prince navigates the complexities of love and duty.
Level C1RomancePrince Rupert, the BuccaneerAmidst the Caribbean's ruthless buccaneers, Prince Rupert confronts the brutal fate of his loyal soldiers, now sold as mere cargo in a harsh new world where honor and survival coll…
Level C1RomancePrince Otto, a RomanceIn the fading principality of Grünewald, Prince Otto embarks on a daring adventure amid rugged landscapes and political intrigue.
Level C1RomancePrince CharlieIn the quiet seaside town of Wivernsea, a solitary writer seeks refuge and inspiration by the shore, where the arrival of a mysterious young woman promises to stir his carefully gu…
Level B2RomancePretty Madcap Dorothy; Or, How She Won a LoverIn a bustling book-bindery, young Dorothy Glenn dares to believe fate will bring her true love despite the hardships of working life.
Level B2RomancePretty Geraldine, the New York Salesgirl; or, Wedded to Her ChoiceIn the bustling heart of New York, a stunning salesgirl with starry eyes and a proud spirit stands at the crossroads of fate, where love and choice intertwine in a world of ambitio…
Level B2Science FictionPreferred RiskIn a world where a powerful Company controls every risk and weapon, an Adjuster arrives in Naples amid sudden, tense security measures and an urgent manhunt.
Level C1RomancePotts's Painless Cure: 1898A college senior caught between duty and desire struggles with his growing love for Annie, whose affection runs deeper than his own.
Level B2RomancePortia; Or, By Passions RockedIn a grand old estate, lively Dulcinea welcomes her weary cousin Portia into a world of charmingly eccentric relatives, tangled passions, and whispered secrets—where love and misch…
Level C1RomancePoppea of the Post-OfficeIn a small New England village gripped by the Civil War’s uncertainty, the postmaster anxiously awaits delayed mail that carries news from the front, weaving together community hop…
Level C1RomancePoor Miss FinchIn a quiet English corner, a blind girl’s life intertwines with twin brothers, a skilled surgeon, and a mysterious foreign woman, revealing the complexities of human nature and the…
Level C1RomancePolly: A Christmas RecollectionIn a Southern estate ruled by a cantankerous Colonel, young Polly wields unexpected power over family and servants alike, navigating loyalty and hardship amid the shadow of a drunk…
Level B2RomancePolly's Business VentureReturning to America with a mysterious wireless message in hand, Polly Brewster navigates friendship, flirtation, and the thrill of a secret admirer aboard an Atlantic liner—where…
Level C1RomancePolly the Pagan: Her Lost Love LettersCaught between the rigid traditions of European society and the free spirit of America, a woman navigates love and identity amid cultural clashes and diplomatic intrigue.
Level C1RomancePoems of lovePassion ignites in stirring verses that explore love’s fierce battles and sweet dangers, where hearts face the turmoil of desire, devotion, and heartbreak.
Level B2RomancePoems of PassionFiery and heartfelt poems explore the grand passion of love—its power, despair, and triumph—capturing moments of intense emotion and timeless human experience that challenge sentim…
Level C1RomancePlaying with Fire: A Story of the Soudan WarA young captain returns home from war to the familiar grounds of childhood, where a delicate dance of love and friendship with his cousin unfolds amidst the backdrop of summer’s wa…
Level B2RomancePlay the Game!A spirited girl raised among boys faces the challenge of attending an all-girls school, where she must navigate unfamiliar friendships and the expectations of her family.
Level C1RomancePirate GoldA mysterious bag of pirate gold lies hidden in a Boston bank vault, untouched for decades.
Level B2RomancePippin; A Wandering FlameA young man named Pippin faces the toughest goodbye as he leaves Shoreham State Prison, where he's found faith and fought inner demons.
Level C1RomancePip : A Romance of YouthTwo curious children explore the mysterious Consulting Room, captivated by the enigmatic Oven Door and strange instruments, while trying to unravel family secrets and navigate the…
Level B2RomancePimpernel and RosemaryIn war-torn Guillaumet, a weary woman secretly mends soldiers' uniforms, hiding tiny messages within, while enduring a harsh and cynical admirer.
Level C1RomancePierre and LuceIn the shadow of war-torn Paris, a young soldier-to-be finds a fragile connection with a mysterious girl during a tense subway ride, where silence and shared fear ignite a quiet, p…
Level B2RomancePhyllisA spirited young woman navigates family dynamics and first impressions when a formidable new landlord arrives, shattering rumors and stirring unexpected intrigue in their quiet hou…
Level C1RomancePhroso: A RomanceA newly wealthy man buys a remote, rugged island with a small, traditional population, planning a honeymoon his fiancée refuses to attend.
Level C1RomancePhilothea: A Grecian RomanceBeneath the moonlit skies of ancient Athens, two friends—Philothea, a radiant maiden touched by the divine, and Eudora—share a mystical bond as they explore the sacred mysteries, g…
Level C1RomancePhilip Rollo; or, the Scottish Musketeers, Vol. 2 (of 2)Amidst the turmoil of war and shifting alliances, a Scottish captain navigates love, loyalty, and the looming threat of conquest as Denmark teeters on the brink of surrender.
Level C1RomancePhilip Rollo; or, the Scottish Musketeers, Vol. 1 (of 2)Amid the chaos of 17th-century European wars, a daring Scottish gentleman serves as a soldier of fortune in Denmark, weaving through battles, love, and intrigue.
Level C1RomancePhemie KellerAmidst the serene, secluded hills of Tordale, a weary traveler reflects on life and death as he discovers a hidden churchyard that holds timeless secrets.
Level C1RomancePharais; and, The Mountain LoversIn a world where dreams and reality intertwine, a writer explores the depths of spiritual and emotional duality, revealing a haunting romance shaped by nature, memory, and the elus…
Level C1RomancePetty Troubles of Married Life, Second PartTwo newlywed friends confide in each other about the hidden irritations and delicate tensions that color their early married lives, revealing the unspoken challenges behind the pol…
Level C1RomancePetticoat RuleIn the glittering court of Louis XV, a young woman’s fierce loyalty to her homeland clashes with the seductive power of the Marquise de Pompadour and the intrigues of royal favor,…
Level C1RomancePeter's MotherIn a secluded English estate, Lady Mary Crewys navigates the delicate balance of duty and desire within her confined world, where personal wishes are often eclipsed by family and s…
Level C1RomancePeter Jameson: A Modern RomanceAmid London's bustling cigar trade before World War I, Peter Jameson navigates family legacy, business rivalries, and the transformative upheaval of war that challenges his soul an…
Level C1RomancePersuasionIn a world where vanity and social standing reign, Anne Elliot navigates family expectations and lost love as her once-beautiful youth fades.
Level C1MysteryPerlycross: A Tale of the Western HillsIn the tranquil village of Perlycross, a devoted curate and a battle-hardened squire navigate the delicate balance of duty, faith, and friendship in a changing world.
Level C1RomancePeregrine's ProgressA young man’s quest begins amid lively inns, shadowy mysteries, and encounters with a captivating, elusive woman named Diana—part dryad, part goddess—whose fiery spirit and tender…
Level B2RomancePenny of Top Hill TrailA rugged cattleman returns from the city with a new purpose after meeting a mysterious young woman trapped in a harsh Chicago dance hall.
Level C1RomancePenelopeCaught between love and social ambition, a noble lord schemes to win Penelope’s hand, hoping wealth and status will sway her heart.
Level C1RomancePearl of Pearl IslandIn the serene island of Sark, a tender love unfolds between Jock and the captivating Margaret Brandt, watched over by the wise Lady Elspeth.
Level C1RomancePeak's Island: A Romance of Buccaneer DaysShipwrecked and alone on a storm-lashed shore, young Anna Vyvyan awakens to a world of loss and survival in the treacherous days of buccaneers.
Level C1RomancePeace ManoeuvresCaught between duty and desire during a tense military standoff, a scout must navigate uncertain roads and risky choices—while haunted by memories of a rejected love.
Level C1HorrorPausanias, the Spartan; The Haunted and the Haunters: An Unfinished Historical RomanceAmid the turbulent aftermath of the battle of Plataea, a Spartan regent rises to unparalleled power and influence across Greece, concealing a dark conspiracy that could reshape his…
Level C1RomancePauline's Passion and PunishmentA woman tormented by betrayal faces a shattering letter that ends a passionate promise, igniting a fierce resolve for a deeper, subtler vengeance than mere death.
Level C1RomancePaul and Virginia from the French of J.B.H. de Saint PierreAmidst the idyllic beauty of Mauritius, two young souls, Paul and Virginia, grow up bound by innocent love and nature’s charm, their tender story unfolding against a backdrop of ph…